Preps Plus.

Hockey Player Must Face Charges

A Lake County judge denied a motion Friday to dismiss charges against a 15-year-old boy accused of cross-checking and paralyzing an opposing hockey player during a game in Gurnee late last year.

Judge John Radosevich said it was "impossible" for him to rule on attorney Jeff Steinback's motion without knowing the facts in the incident that injured New Trier High School student Neal Goss, now 16. A trial is scheduled to begin July 24 at the Lake County Courthouse.

The defendant, a Glenbrook North High School student who attended Friday's hearing, was charged in December with two counts of aggravated battery after the Nov. 3 game at the Rinkside Sports Ice Arena. The boy's name has been withheld by authorities.

According to Assistant State's Attorney George Strickland, Goss, of Glencoe, was cross-checked after the buzzer sounded to end the game. The first count against the teenager alleges bodily harm, and the second alleges use of a deadly weapon--the hockey stick. Strickland said prosecutors have evidence to prove that there was "an intent to injure."

The boy pleaded not guilty to both charges Jan. 5.

During Friday's hearing, Steinback argued that his client should not have criminal charges filed against him because he had no way of knowing that his actions would lead to criminal prosecution. The charges violate due process, he said, adding that the other teen was aware of the risks involved in the often violent sport.

There were 16 separate violent violations during the Nov. 3 game by 13 players, and only his client was criminally charged because of the results, Steinback said.

Strickland plans to file a motion arguing that the consent defense does not apply. That defense argues that when players engage in a sport, they are consenting to injuries that may arise as a result of the activity.

After the hearing, Strickland declined to say whether Goss, who is paralyzed from the chest down, would testify at the trial.